Shoulder strap for a backpack

ABSTRACT

A shoulder strap for a backpack comprises a first cover, a pad having a portion of projections, and a second cover adapted to be mated to the first cover with the pad being positioned between the first cover and the second cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a shoulder strap for a backpack and more particularly to a comfortable or padded shoulder strap for a backpack.

[0002] Backpacks for carrying items such as clothing, food, camping supplies, personal items, or books typically include a pack having a pair of shoulder straps or a shoulder harness and a hip belt. One problem associated with the use of backpacks is that when the backpack is heavily loaded carrying the backpack for any period of time is typically very tiring and uncomfortable. Sometimes the backpack is worn on one shoulder and due to the weight of the pack being only on one shoulder, the backpack is periodically switched to the other shoulder. Some known backpacks have attempted to alleviate this problem by providing shoulder straps which are padded. Padded shoulder straps typically consist of a foam product that deforms during use and over time. The pads also have a surface which is smooth and does not aid in providing a comfortable shoulder strap. Further, such padded shoulder straps have still proven to be uncomfortable during use. Additionally, it is sometimes common to carry the backpack in the hands by use of the shoulder straps. Use of the backpack in this manner can be uncomfortable and tiring on the hands.

[0003] The present invention is designed to obviate and overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings associated with prior shoulder straps for backpacks. In particular, the present invention is an improved shoulder strap for a backpack that is both soft and comfortable. Moreover, the present invention allows an individual to wear a backpack for a longer period of time with greater comfort and less fatigue. The shoulder strap for a backpack of the present invention provides a pad having projections that provide a messaging effect to the shoulders of a user of the backpack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one form of the present invention, a shoulder strap for a backpack comprises a first cover, a pad having a portion of projections, and a second cover adapted to be mated to the first cover with the pad being positioned between the first cover and the second cover.

[0005] In another form of the present invention, a shoulder strap for a backpack comprises a first cover, a pad having a first side and a second side with the first side having a plurality of projections, and a second cover adapted to being mated to the first cover with the pad being positioned within the first cover and the second cover.

[0006] In yet another form of the present invention, a shoulder strap for a backpack comprises a first cover, a pad having a plurality of projections, and a second cover having an aperture, the second cover adapted to being mated to the first cover with the pad being positioned between the first cover and the second cover, and one of the projections being aligned with the aperture and extending through and out of the aperture.

[0007] In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized that a principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved shoulder strap for a backpack.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoulder strap for a backpack that is constructed using durable parts or components.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a shoulder strap for a backpack which is of simple construction and design and which can be easily employed with highly reliable results.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoulder strap for a backpack that is soft and comfortable.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a padded shoulder strap for a backpack that provides greater comfort and reduces fatigue associated with carrying a heavy or loaded backpack.

[0012] A still further object of the present invention is to provide a shoulder strap for a backpack that can be incorporated into existing backpacks with minimal change.

[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after considering the following detailed specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a shoulder strap for a backpack constructed according to the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the shoulder strap for a backpack shown in FIG. 1 with a cover removed;

[0016]FIG. 3 is an enlarged back view of the shoulder strap for a backpack shown in FIG. 1 with a cover removed;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment for a pad for a shoulder strap for a backpack constructed according to the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a pad for a shoulder strap for a backpack constructed according to the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a pad for a shoulder strap for a backpack constructed according to the present invention; and

[0020]FIG. 7 is perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a pad for a shoulder strap for a backpack constructed according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number 10 identifies a preferred embodiment of a shoulder strap for a backpack constructed according to the present invention. With reference now to FIG. 1, the shoulder strap 10 for a backpack 12 is shown. The backpack 12 comprises a pack portion 14 which may include a front flap (not shown) for gaining access to the interior of the pack portion 14 and various other pockets, none of which are illustrated. The shoulder strap 10 has an upper portion 16 which may be attached to the backpack 12 by any suitable means. The shoulder strap 10 also has a lower portion 18 having an adjustable strap 20 and a buckle 22. The adjustable strap 20 may be connected to the backpack 12. The shoulder strap 10 further comprises a cover 24 which may be constructed of any suitable covering material such as nylon.

[0022] The backpack 12 has another shoulder strap 26 which is similar in construction to the shoulder strap 10. The shoulder strap 26 has an upper portion 28 which is connected to the backpack 12 and a lower portion 30 having an adjustable strap 32 and a buckle 34. The shoulder strap 26 also has a cover 36. One difference between the shoulder strap 10 and the shoulder strap 26 is an area 38 on the shoulder strap 10 which has a portion or section of projections 40 protruding out through the cover 24. The shoulder strap 26 has an area 42 which does not a section of projections. The area 42 may be used to place a logo thereon. Although the shoulder straps 10 and 26 are shown as being different, it is possible and contemplated that the shoulder straps 10 and 26 may be exactly the same. For example, the area 42 of the shoulder strap 26 may include a section of projections extending out through apertures formed in the cover 36.

[0023] With reference now to FIG. 2, there is shown the shoulder strap 10 with the cover 24 removed to illustrate an interior 50 view of the shoulder strap 10. The shoulder strap 10 comprises a cover 52 which may be constructed of any suitable covering material such as nylon and is adapted to be mated to the cover 24. The shoulder strap 10 further comprises a pad 54 having a plurality of projections 56 positioned on the pad 54. For example, the projections 40 which were shown in FIG. 1 are part of the projections 56 of the pad 54. The pad 54 may comprise any suitable material such as thermal plastic rubber, vinyl, silicone, polymethacrylate, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, or combinations of these materials.

[0024]FIG. 3 shows the shoulder strap 10 with the cover 52 removed. The shoulder strap 10 comprises the pad 54 having a plurality of projections 58. The pad 54 has a side 60 that has the projections 58 and another side 62 (FIG. 2) that has the projections 40 and 56. The projections 58 are positioned to bear against or come into contact with the shoulder's of the wearer of the backpack 12. The projections 40, 56, and 58 are adapted to provide a messaging effect when in use. Further, it is also possible that the pad 54 be the same size and shape as either the cover 24 or the cover 52. It is to be noted that the cover 24 and the cover 52 may or may not be the same size and shape. For example, the cover 52 may be larger than the cover 24 to facilitate mating, connecting, or sewing the covers 24 and 52 together. As previously indicated, the shoulder strap 26 may be constructed in a similar manner as the shoulder strap 10.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 4, a partial cross-sectional view of the pad 54 is shown. The pad 54 comprises the sides 60 and 62 and the projections 56 and 58. The projections 56 and 58 are illustrated as being finger-like or nub-like projections. The projections 56 and 58 each have a rounded top 64. However, other shapes for the projections are contemplated. For example, the projections 56 and 58 may be cylinder shaped, arrow shaped, triangular shaped, and rectangle shaped. Further, combinations of these shapes may be positioned or located on both of the sides 60 and 62 of the pad 54. Additionally, the projections 56 and 58 may each have different widths or thicknesses. The tops 64 may also have different shapes, such as spiked, flat, or a combination of shapes.

[0026]FIG. 5 illustrates partial cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a pad 70 having a first side 72 and a second side 74. The first side 72 has a plurality of projections 76 and 78 with the projections 76 having a greater height than the projections 78. The second side 74 also has a plurality of projections 80 and 82 with the projections 80 having a greater height than the projections 82. It is also possible and contemplated that the projections 76, 78, 80, and 82 may vary in different heights than is illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0027] With particular reference now to FIG. 6, there is depicted another preferred embodiment of a pad 90 which may be used with the shoulder pad 10. The pad 90 comprises a first side 92 and a second side 94. The second side has a plurality of projections 96 and the first side 92 does not have any projections. The projections 96 may be of the same height, alternating heights, or varying in height, as previously discussed. The pad 90 may be positioned within the shoulder strap 10 so that the projections 96 come into contact with a shoulder of an individual using the backpack 12.

[0028]FIG. 7 shows another preferred embodiment of a pad 100 which may be used instead of the pad 54 in the shoulder strap 10. The pad 100 comprises a plurality of projections 102 which are disposed on the pad 100 in a radial or circular pattern 104. The pad 100 is illustrated to show that the projections 102 may be formed in various patterns on the pad 100. For example, various other patterns that may be used are a zigzag pattern, a triangular pattern, or combinations of these patterns. Further, each of the projections 102 may each have a different height, size, shape, and thickness. The pad 100 may also have projections on the other side, which is now shown in FIG. 7.

[0029] It should be recognized that the shoulder strap 10 of the present invention can be constructed of various materials and can be assembled from separable components or formed as a unitary construction. Preferably, the shoulder strap 10 will be constructed of relatively lightweight materials. As can be appreciated, the pads 54, 70, and 90, may be constructed of various previously described materials and in variously described shapes, forms, and sizes. Further, the shoulder strap 10 of the present invention may also be incorporated into hip belts for backpacks and hip packs.

[0030] From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a shoulder strap for a backpack which fulfills the various objects and advantages sought therefor. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject shoulder strap for a backpack are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoulder strap for a backpack comprises: a first cover; a pad having a portion of projections; and a second cover adapted to be mated to the first cover with the pad being positioned between the first cover and the second cover.
 2. The shoulder strap of claim 1 wherein the pad comprises a material comprising thermal plastic rubber.
 3. The shoulder strap of claim 1 wherein the projections each comprise a finger-like projection.
 4. The shoulder strap of claim 1 wherein the projections form a pattern over the pad.
 5. The shoulder strap of claim 1 wherein the projections each have a height.
 6. The shoulder strap of claim 5 wherein the height of each of the projections is the same.
 7. A shoulder strap for a backpack comprises: a first cover; a pad having a first side and a second side with the first side having a plurality of projections; and a second cover adapted to being mated to the first cover with the pad being positioned within the first cover and the second cover.
 8. The shoulder strap of claim 7 wherein the second side of the pad further comprises a plurality of projections.
 9. The shoulder strap of claim 7 wherein the projections each have a height.
 10. The shoulder strap of claim 9 wherein the heights of the projections are the same.
 11. The shoulder strap of claim 9 wherein the heights of the projections vary.
 12. The shoulder strap of claim 7 wherein the projections each comprise a finger-like projection.
 13. The shoulder strap of claim 7 wherein the pad comprises a material comprising thermal plastic rubber.
 14. A shoulder strap for a backpack comprising: a first cover; a pad having a plurality of projections; and a second cover having an aperture, the second cover adapted to being mated to the first cover with the pad portion being positioned between the first cover and the second cover, and one of the projections being aligned with the aperture and extending through and out of the aperture.
 15. The shoulder strap of claim 14 wherein the pad comprises a second side comprising a plurality of projections.
 16. The shoulder strap of claim 14 wherein the projections are finger-like projections.
 17. The shoulder strap of claim 14 wherein the projections form a pattern over the pad.
 18. The shoulder strap of claim 14 where each of the projections has a height.
 19. The shoulder strap of claim 18 wherein the height of each of the projections is the same.
 20. The shoulder strap of claim 14 wherein the pad comprises a material comprising thermal plastic rubber. 